I have made some changes to my chemotherapy regimen. Initially I was being infused with both Oxaliplatin and 5FU, but starting with cycle 5, I discontinued the use of the Oxaliplatin. The tingling pins and needles in my fingers and jaw (neuropathy) was getting worse, and since there are cases where that can become chronic, I decided I wasn't willing to take the risk of any long term nerve damage. This wasn't an easy decision to make, but after a lot of thought and consultation with different doctors, friends, and family, I decided to press forward with the chemo, but only with the 5FU and not the Oxaliplatin. I now have only cycles 7 and 8 to complete, so I'm scheduled to be done with all chemo on February 4. Thankfully, I'm feeling like the end of all of this is in sight. I will have my ileostomy reversal in mid March, and after recovering from that, I will be considered "cured", with regularly scheduled scans to follow. I have been feeling strong and positive, and I even managed to put on a whopping 3 pounds!
I have continued to do lots of local fun gigs, and I had my first show back with Foreigner on New Year's Eve in Vegas. I'm leaving tomorrow for a couple of weeks with the band. We're starting the run at the Hard Rock Cafe in Hollywood, Florida, continuing with a "Rock Legends" cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale for 5 days, and then finishing up with a couple of casino shows in Minnesota.
That's all for now. Thanks for all the continued healing vibes people! It must be working because I'm doing really well.
So pleased you are feeling so positive and are nearly done with the chemo. I had the tingling pins and needles in my fingertips and toes for the last 4 sessions and it took about 9 months after finishing chemo to go completely. The light at the end of the tunnel is a fantastic feeling :) Postive thoughts sent to you :) x
ReplyDeletethanks Suzanne! 9 months..wow. Glad it went away eventually. Mine is now thankfully totally gone.
DeleteSo glad you're doing well and are up to touring! See you later this week on RLCII!
ReplyDeletesee you on the high rockin seas!
DeleteYou sound great Michael and I'm glad you were able to weigh the risk/reward questions and feel confident in your choices. Look forward to seeing you and Carrie mid March. Love, Mumsie
ReplyDeletethanks mom! see you very soon. love, M
DeleteWONDERFUL to see you on RLC II! Thoroughly loved the Platinum Theater set, and that acoustic set in Studio B was simply AWESOME. So glad you were feeling up to it! (and it looked like you were having fun, too!) Happy to share my photos, if you'd like. Best wishes for continued healing & music-making.
ReplyDeleteGood to see your doing better Michael i just heard of this.... myself I have been going through a lot with illness and kind of fell out for a year... but getting it back together now... Glad to see that you are up and running in good form and health...
ReplyDeleteAaron Gordon
Hi Michael,
ReplyDeleteI became an instant fan of yours from your incredible performance on the Boz Scaggs live DVD. Incredible chops and musicality. Wow! After a recent viewing of that DVD I looked you up on the web to learn more about you and your music. Needless to say, I was stunned and saddened to read about your bout with cancer. I wish you success in you journey to wellness. Keep up that spirit. You're in my thoughts.
Be well,
Bob
Roseville, Mn